Build Your Life One Day at a Time
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Similarly, living a great life is achieved one day at a time.
We all face moments where we stand at the base of a mountain, looking up and wondering, "How do I get up there? Can I get up there? Is that really where I want to go?"
These questions can lead us down two paths: one of growth, optimism, and resilience, or one of fear, overwhelm, and hesitation.
I've walked both paths. Focusing on growth and optimism led to fulfilment, while succumbing to fear and hesitation left me feeling lost and defeated.
From ages 28-35, I’ve experienced some of the most significant changes in my life. This period feels like a true coming of age, where the pressures of being a man, husband, business owner, and friend intensify.
It's the age when many of us start families, establish our family life, and strive for financial security. The growth and adjustment can feel overwhelming, like starting at the base of the mountain every day.
Life dangles a carrot, prompting questions like, "How do I earn more money? How do I be happier? What is truly important to me?" These questions drive our search for intentional living.
Yet, why are so many men unhappy despite having a successful business, a loving family, and a seemingly perfect life?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but I’ve been experimenting with being more intentional with my time over the past few years, and it has led to the happiest period of my life.
My marriage is the best it’s ever been, I am getting to see the world, and I genuinely love every day—all because I’ve learned to live intentionally.
Living intentionally is like eating an elephant—one bite at a time.
The key lies in:
Taking one day at a time.
Taking one action at a time.
Having one meaningful conversation at a time.
This approach allows us to build anything, embracing change, feedback, and the ability to pivot.
Don’t mistake me for living in the moment either. I am clear on the direction I want my life to go, while being open to life guiding me. There’s a great saying, “Life happens for us, not to us,” so I believe any challenge or friction is there to teach me something.
I think the older we get and the more responsibility we carry, the more we need to be intentional. This is why having a vision can be a great thing to pull us in the right direction.
Detailed Steps:
1. Backward Planning
Keep it simple: Start with your long-term vision (5 years) and break it down into smaller, manageable steps for 3 years, 2 years, 1 year, quarters, months, weeks, and daily tasks.
Ask the right questions: For instance, "What must happen to make this week great?" This helps identify your priorities for each timeframe.
2. Segmentation: Me, Them, Work
Segment your day: Allocate time for personal development (Me), time for relationships (Them), and time for professional tasks (Work).
Benefits: This ensures balanced attention to all important areas and helps identify where you need to be more efficient or what to say no to.
3. Nightly Planning and Setting Priorities
Plan ahead: Prioritise and set realistic goals for the next day each night.
Focus on priorities: Ask yourself, "What has to happen today to make it a successful day?" Ensure daily priorities align with your weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals.
4. Regular Feedback and Progress Tracking
Involve your family: Include your family in the feedback process to ensure balance and address any concerns.
Track progress: Regularly review and adjust goals in key areas like relationships, health, finances, and lifestyle.
5. Flexibility
Embrace change: Understand that plans will change, and that's okay. Adapt and use changes to create momentum towards your goals.
Zoom out: Look at the big picture when things don’t go as planned, and then zoom back in to make informed decisions.
I can guarantee your life is different to mine, but I know you can implement a few of these steps and see improvements in your life. It’s up to you how you choose to do it.
Personally, I use my Apple Notes, Apple Calendar, and Reminders. This keeps things simple, and I always have my phone with me.
Remember, living intentionally is about taking it one day at a time. Start today by planning your ideal day, setting your priorities, and making time for what truly matters. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.
Take the first bite of your elephant today.
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